The difference a portrait lens makes

Most EOS cameras come with a general purpose kit lens that works for most types of photography. There are, though, a series of specialist lenses designed for specific genres, like portrait photography, for instance. These can make a huge difference to your photos. With portrait lenses, the main difference is with the focal length and maximum aperture.

Selecting the right focal length

Focal length is the distance between the lens and your camera sensor when the subject is in focus, and is stated in mm. Zoom lenses have a focal range which is written as minimum and maximum such as 18-55mm. Typically, a portrait lens refers to a lens with a focal length over 85mm.

In this classic head and shoulders composition, the specialist EF 85mm f/1.8 USM portrait lens offers a greater focal length to give a natural look and to separate the model from the background.

In comparison, using a shorter focal length such as 24mm would distort the subject's face by appearing to alter its proportions. Also, backgrounds are usually more noticeable at shorter focal lengths.

A bigger aperture helps

Another key factor in selecting a lens suited to shooting portraits is its maximum aperture. Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening that lets in light to your camera sensor.

Each lens is given an aperture rating such as f/2.8 or f/5.6. Some zoom lenses have an aperture rating depending on which focal length is selected; these will show an aperture range such as f/3.5-5.6. The smaller the aperture number, the larger the maximum opening and there are advantages to shooting portraits on a lens with a larger maximum aperture.

A bigger aperture lets in more light through the lens into the camera, so large aperture lenses are great for shooting in low light such as indoor portraits. A second benefit is that shooting with the aperture set to its maximum value, often referred to as “wide open”, produces more background blur often favoured by portrait photographers.

Pro portrait photographer Christian Anderl shares how you can use your Canon camera to capture candid pictures of family fun.

These three images are all shot at the same focal length, with the aperture size varying from small (high f-number) in the first shot to wide (low f-number) in the third shot. When trying to eliminate distracting backgrounds in portrait photography, having a large aperture lens is essential. In the third image the viewer's attention is directed away from the distracting background and onto the subject's face, and is a far more effective portrait.

Related Articles

Get Inspired is your key source of useful photography tips, buyer’s guides and insightful interviews – everything you need to find the best camera or the best printer, and make your next creative idea come to life.

We use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience in your interactions with Canon and on our website – find out more about our use of Cookies and change your cookie settings here. You agree to our use of cookies on your device by continuing to use our website or by clicking I Accept.